The Purveyors of Style
Get to know The Powers That Be who decide which designers will make the grade.
Proteges of Style
Curious about this season’s contestants? Pick your bet for the Philippines’ next big fashion designer!
In Their Own Words
The cast members of Project Runway Philippines Season 2 answer questions that reveal a little more of their personalities beyond what you’ve seen on TV!
What's your fashion philosophy?
Russell: Fashion is an avenue to make one's inner self heard: one's artistic instinct, mood, lifestyle. I believe that the clothes that a person wears is an extension of his/her personality and character.
Hazel: Fashion is not about the hottest fads and trends, it is more about self-expression. It is how you represent yourself to the world. And my self-expression of fashion is delicately strong femininity and glamor in a whip-cracking way!
Manny: I want my clients to feel like beauty queens when they wear my creations. Simple yet elegant. A gown that is empowering yet will make the wearer feel the utmost comfort and fit. Also, my gowns or dresses are versatile, and can be worn on other occasions and not just for a single use. It can be mixed and matched with other pieces. That is why my clients call me “magician.”
Tracy: Fashion for me is art—it is a form of expression vis-a-vis making something beautiful... an artwork... a masterpiece. Fashion is my mode of expression for my vision, my desires and my life allegory.
Pau: Fashion dictates the identity of the wearer, and the wearer inspires the imaginations of those who see them.
Jas: In one word, my fashion philosophy is eclectic. Design should never be boring. It should stand out. Be different. But be wearably different. Fashion design, after all, is an art. I like doing new things, combining unique textiles with textures and materials you wouldn”t normally associate with clothes, including stones, chains, tiles and just about anything that catches my eye. Clothes must make you stand out. Artfully different.
Randy: I design with the belief that clothes are extensions of the human body. It goes that clothes ALWAYS address specific needs of people. As such, I make it a point that I design based on what my clients need. Clothes should complement the natural form of the body—treat it with flattery, celebrate its “natural” essence.
I also believe in reinvention. For fashion to address the dynamism innate in every person, it should invent forms, textures, colors for it to arrive at a “new” age.
Richie: My designs represent a woman who is classic, subtle yet elegant.
How did you become interested in fashion design?
Russell: Fashion comes as naturally to me as certain bodily functions.
Hazel: I became interested in fashion way back when was a kid. I witnessed my grandmas (from both sides of my parents) looking so fabulous and glamorous all the time in the clothes they wore, and the way they put their make-up on and how they styled their hair just amazed me. Growing up with two stylish women gave me the strong urge to learn more about fashion and be fashionable.
Manny: Since I was in high school, I liked drawing human figures and styling characters in school programs. My teachers and relatives told me that I had talent in art and design and they suggested that I take a course in designing, which led me to take up fashion design.
Tracy: Ever since I played with Barbie dolls and paper dolls, I have been fascinated with dressing up, fashion and clothing. I grew up having a fascination for era clothing. I remember back in high school, I used to doodle and give my classmates prom dress designs, and I used to design our pep squad uniforms and jackets. But back then, I didn't think about fashion design as a profession—it's just my hobby and mode of expressing my ideas.
But I really believe that fate led me to the fashion design path. I took up a fashion/clothing-related course in college after transferring from a completely different course. I almost gave up design when I had my child because I thought this industry was too frivolous for my lifestyle, but fate still led me to good jobs and good competitions (like PRP). And now, I'm here. It hasn't been a smooth ride, but has led me here despite my limitations and mishaps along the way.
Pau: Seven years ago, I dreamed of becoming like Yves Saint Laurent. He was the first young fashion designer at the age of 21. That”s why I became interested in fashion!
Jas: My beginnings in fashion can be traced to my childhood. It was actually born out of need. My mommy was a school teacher, so we didn”t have any extra money for clothes. I had to make my own. Of course, I had help from my Tita Flor. But that”s where it all began. I wanted to have a choice of clothes. That meant I had to make them.
Randy: I have always been interested in the arts. I am a trained musician, visual artist and dancer/dance teacher. Fashion came incidentally because I had to design costumes for my students.
I never had formal training in fashion but my passion for “things beautiful” always gave me the interest to pursue fashion.
Richie: What interested me in fashion design was the influence of my late beloved mother, and the fact that she was a good cutter, sewer and designer in our town.
What has been your most memorable moment in Philippine fashion?
Apples: Several answers come to mind. One would be the Asean Design Shows that Inno Sotto and Richard Tann produced in the 90's. All the best designers and models from all over Southeast Asia converged in Manila to participate in this iconic event. Our region finally got the attention it deserved, as designer upon designer showcased fine craftsmanship and artistry in fashion. The event was covered by international press, including CNN, which gave it a lot of coverage.
Another one would be Inno Sotto's show in Paris, where I was truly so proud to be Pinoy. Inno gained a standing ovation from a very sophisticated, well-heeled crowd.
On a personal note, I'll never forget when I was awarded model of the year during the first Philippine fashion achievement awards in the late 90's. It was very special to me because I was planning to slow down shortly after that period.
Lastly, PRP is definitely one of the most memorable moments in Philippine fashion for me. It truly is such a thrill for me to discover talented designers and see them grow from episode to episode. Plus, it's such a gift to be able to work with passionate and extremely talented individuals (that includes those who work behind-the-scenes, too!).
Rajo: My favorite Philippine fashion moment was "Fashion for a cause", which was spearheaded by Mang Ben Ferrales more than a decade ago. Mount Pinatubo had just happened, and there were so many people suffering. The entire Philippine fashion industry banded together and created a fashion show to raise funds for the Pinatubo victims. I was just starting as a designer but I was invited to join. I was so happy. I was starstruck and in awe that I was able to participate in such a magical show. Everyone was there, people I would just read about or admire from afar. I felt that I belonged to the industry, and I felt that as an industry, we were doing good to help those most in need.
What's your guilty fashion pleasure?
Apples: Shopping for fashion must-haves or the latest trends—it’s way too costly! Buying magazines, which can be costly, as well. Reading fashion blogs, which takes up too much of my time.
Rajo: I feel most joyful when I am sourcing for fabrics. This could be just a day spent in Divisoria or an elaborate buying expedition in China or India. Fabric is our medium to express our designs. This is fundamental to good design. I also buy so many books on design and fashion that I end up not having enough space for them all.
Who is your favorite designer?
Apples: A lot. International: Alber Elbaz. Effortless. Modern sophistication at its best. Local: Too many to mention. Rajo: I have so many favorite designers! Top in my mind is Cristobal Balenciaga for introducing the most modern shapes. His vision is just sublime. I adore Madelleine Vionnet. She created the Bias cut and her draping is just the most exquisite. I am a huge fan of Geoffery Beene—he cuts clothes as if with a surgeon’s scalpel.
